All lanes of Interstate 85 were reopened early Wednesday morning after protesters blocked the highway and started fires.

Protesters looted tractor-trailers and removed the contents to start two fired on I-85 before police forced them off the highway.

Police cleared the protesters from I-85 by using a tear gas a few hours after traffic was blocked.

Seven police officers needed to be hospitalized after the clashes, including one who was hit in the face with a rock. A total of 12 officers were injured, according to a police official.

Protesters also attacked and looted the Walmart on North Tryon Street around 3:30 a.m. The store was closed early Wednesday with pallets piled in front of the doors and shopping carts blocking the driveway into the lot.